Houston Kicks Off Last AAC Season vs. Lehigh

**Houston Cougars Kick Off Pivotal Season Against Lehigh, Eyeing Big 12 Future**

HOUSTON, TX – The No. 2 Houston Cougars are set to embark on a highly anticipated 2023 season this Saturday, September 2nd, as they host the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at TDECU Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT), with all the action streaming live on ESPN+.

This opener carries significant weight for the Cougars as it marks their final season in the American Athletic Conference before their historic transition to the Big 12 in 2024. Head Coach Dana Holgorsen, entering his fifth season at the helm, has strategically reshaped his roster, bringing in a host of impact transfers aimed at making a strong farewell statement in the AAC and building momentum for the move.

Among the key newcomers to watch is quarterback Donovan Smith, a highly touted transfer from Texas Tech, who will be expected to lead the offensive charge. He’s joined by running back Tony Mathis Jr., who brings experience from West Virginia. The receiving corps boasts dynamic playmakers in Samuel Brown and Matthew Golden, both returning talents eager to build on previous performances. On the defensive side, safety Hakeem Butler, another Texas Tech transfer, and formidable defensive end Nelson Caesar will anchor a unit looking to disrupt opposing offenses. The Cougars are coming off an 8-5 (5-3 AAC) campaign in 2022, eager to improve and contend for a conference title.

Opposite Houston, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, an FCS program hailing from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, will be making their season debut under new head coach Kevin Cahill. Cahill, previously a long-time assistant at Yale, takes the reins for his first game leading the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh finished the 2022 season with a 2-9 overall record (2-4 Patriot League) and will be looking to establish a new identity. Key players for the Mountain Hawks include quarterback Brayten Silbor, running back Luke Musillo, and wide receiver Geoffrey Dorman, all of whom will be crucial to Lehigh’s efforts against a challenging FBS opponent.

Houston enters the game as a heavy favorite, with oddsmakers setting the spread at 39.5 points, reflecting the typical talent disparity between FBS and FCS programs. Adding another layer to the contest will be the Houston heat, with temperatures predicted to be around 95 degrees Fahrenheit at game time, a factor that could test the endurance of both squads.

For the Cougars, this game is more than just a season opener; it’s the first step in a defining season that bridges two eras for the program. For Lehigh, it’s an opportunity to test their mettle against a top-tier FBS team and begin the Kevin Cahill era on a high note, regardless of the outcome. Fans are encouraged to tune in or attend the 7 p.m. ET kickoff at TDECU Stadium to witness the start of what promises to be a memorable season for Houston.